Oakleigh Grammar commemorated OXI Day on 28 October, honouring the courage, resilience and determination of the Greek people during Italy’s invasion of Greece in 1940.
The annual celebration brought together students, staff, parents and distinguished guests to reflect on the historical significance of OXI Day and its enduring message of freedom, unity and peace.
Through a program of music, poetry, drama and traditional Greek dance, students celebrated the school’s Hellenic heritage while remembering the events that shaped this important day in Greek history.
The ceremony commenced with a Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country, followed by the Australian and Greek national anthems. The opening prayer was led by Rev. Fr Stavros Kakavas, before the Year 6 Choir presented hymns as part of the commemoration.
Oakleigh Grammar Principal Mark Robertson addressed the gathering, followed by remarks from Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Dimitra Georgantzoglou, who acknowledged the importance of preserving Greek history, culture and traditions for future generations.
Students from Prep to Year 6 brought the history of OXI Day to life through a series of performances and presentations.
Athena from Year 9 presented The Story of 28 October, offering insight into the events of 1940 and the significance of Greece’s refusal to surrender to the demands of Fascist Italy.
The musical program featured a range of much-loved Greek songs, with Year 2 performing Βάζει ο Ντούτσε την στολή του, Year 1 presenting Η Σημαία, and Prep performing Η Ελλάδα ποτέ δεν πεθαίνει.
Year 3 shared a message of peace and unity through Αν όλα τα παιδιά της γης, while Year 4 performed Δεν χορταίνω να βλέπω τον ήλιο, accompanied by traditional Greek dancing.
Poetry and drama also formed an important part of the program, with Danai from Year 6 presenting the poem ΟΧΙ and Year 5 performing a Greek play.
Emily from Year 9 delivered a presentation titled ANZAC during WWII in Greece, highlighting the historical connection between Greece and Australia during the Second World War and the shared experiences of Greek and Australian servicemen.
The Middle School Greek Dancing Group further celebrated the school’s Hellenic heritage through traditional dance, bringing the student performances to a close before the final prayer.
Beyond the school assembly, Oakleigh Grammar students and staff also participated in community commemorations marking OXI Day.
Student Representative Council (SRC) members and Middle School Leaders attended the Doxology at Sts Anargiri Parish, while selected students attended the Doxology at St Eustathios and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Australian Hellenic Memorial and the Shrine of Remembrance, organised by the Hellenic RSL.
These occasions provided further opportunities for students to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served during the Second World War and reflect on the enduring historical ties between Greece and Australia.
OXI Day remains an important occasion at Oakleigh Grammar, allowing students to deepen their understanding of Greek history, celebrate their Hellenic heritage and reflect on the values of courage, resilience and freedom.
Through its school assembly and participation in wider community commemorations, Oakleigh Grammar continues to honour the legacy of 28 October 1940 while passing its historical and cultural significance on to future generations.
